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New!: Zero Tolerance 0550 BlackWash

The ZT 550 has been around for a while, but the BlackWash finish is new, and it’s exclusive to Blade HQ. First I’ll show you the specs, and then I’ll go over the fit and finish of the knife.

Specifications:

Overall Length: 8.125″

Blade Length: 3.50″

Blade Thickness: 0.156″

Blade Material: S35VN

Blade Style: Drop Point

Blade Grind: Hollow

Blade Finish: Black/Stonewash

Edge Type: Plain

Handle Length: 4.50″

Handle Thickness: 0.57″

Handle Material: G-10

Handle Color: Black

Liner Material: Titanium

Weight: 6.20 oz.

Pocket Clip: Right/Left Hand, Tip-Up/Down

Knife Type: Manual

Opener: Thumb Stud

Lock Type: Frame Lock

Brand: Zero Tolerance

Model: 0550BW

Designer: Rick Hinderer

Country of Origin: USA

Best Use: Every Day Carry

Overview:

Honestly, I don’t think it’s possible for Zero Tolerance to not make an amazing product. Everything I’ve seen from the company has been top notch, and the 550 is no exception. Starting with the blade, the knife features S35VN steel, which is considered to be an upgrade from S30V. It has Niobium and Nitrogen in it, which adds to the overall corrosion resistance and hardness of the blade.

The blade length is 3.5 inches, which makes this a mid-sized folding knife. It’s weight is 6.20 ounces, though, so it is a bit on the heavy size for an EDC. The blade opens effortlessly and smoothly, which makes all the difference in a blade. If a knife is hard to open, you’ll get tired of it soon and switch to a different knife. With the 550, that won’t be an issue because you’ll want to keep opening and closing the knife again and again because the action is that smooth.

The thumb studs on the knife double as a “stop pin,” and the knife has a titanium liner and frame lock that provide some really solid lockup. Again, you’d expect no less from Zero Tolerance. The handle itself is very ergonomic; it conforms to the hand nicely, and it has the perfect balance of ruggedness and grippiness. The handle has a four-way reversible pocket clip and a large lanyard hole.

The star feature of this particular blade, the BlackWash blade, is an awesome addition to the 550. I love the look the BlackWash; it has more personality, and it hides any scratches the blade might gain from normal everyday use. The BlackWash blade is different, and it’s not something you’re going to see on another 550.

If you want to see a bit more of the 550, here are a couple of short clips you can check out. The first is just a clip that showcases the knife but has no dialogue, and the second is a video overview of the original 550, not the BlackWash version. Most of the specs should be the same though.